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Standing on a white sand beach with your toes at the edge of the water, staring out into the vastness of the ocean ahead, you come to realize that there is an entire world beneath the water that you may not have appreciated before. Deep underwater, in oceans around the world, there is a natural beauty in the form of coral reefs. I have personally experienced coral reefs in both Hawaii and the Caribbean, and it is an incredible experience that more people should take part in.

“Coral reefs are found in circumtropical shallow tropical waters along the shores of islands and continents. The reef substrate is mainly composed of calcium carbonate from living and dead scleractinian corals. Many other invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants live in close association to the scleractinian corals, with tight resource coupling and recycling, allowing coral reefs to have extremely high productivity and biodiversity, such that they are referred to as ‘the Tropical Rainforests of the Oceans’.” (Buchheim)

These “Rainforests of the Oceans” are in danger. A phenomenon known as coral bleaching is causing these spectacular corals to lose their pigmentation and, in some cases, killing the coral. Coral reefs are not only strikingly beautiful to look at, but they provide a home for other organisms. “Thousands of fish, lobsters, sea turtles and other creatures live off the intricate reef structure. Coral reefs cover less than 1 percent of the ocean floor but support about 25 percent of all marine life…”(Epatko)

Bleaching threatens these natural relationships. “Coral bleaching is a stress condition in reef corals that involves a breakdown of the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae. The algae provide food for the coral and also holds the colony together. The bleaching of the coral indicates the absence of the algae and signals trouble for the reef. Without the algae, the coral will not reproduce and will eventually die.” (Global Warming) This bleaching process exposes the fragile skeleton of the coral, making it extremely vulnerable, and sometimes causing death. “The symptoms of bleaching include a gradual loss of color as zooxanthellae (algae) are expelled from the coral tissue, sometimes leaving corals bone white. This loss exposes the white calcium carbonate skeletons of the coral colony.” (Global Warming)

Along with coral’s natural benefits, such as being the first line of defense along the coastline from tropical storms, they also contribute hugely to the tourism market. These corals are too great an asset to lose, therefore, more people need to be aware of this issue and take specific action to protect the world’s coral reefs.
There are some causes of coral bleaching that we can identify. “Usually located in shallow water, reefs near populated areas can be subject to factors such as nutrient loading from runoff, overfishing…damage from boats and nets…and collection of coral…Unusually warm ocean currents during El Nino and La Nina events can cause a phenomenon called coral bleaching. Scientists are concerned global climate change is contributing to this effect.”(Epatko)

Global warming is an undeniable factor in the epidemic of coral bleaching. Rising sea temperatures have several negative effects on coral, as well as other sea life. “If the temperature rises significantly above the bleaching threshold or remains high for several weeks, severe bleaching will occur. The corals are left without their main food source, and they can eventually die. Those that do survive are more likely to be infected with diseases…” (NOAA)
Being able to better predict the factors for change in sea temperature will greatly help reef authorities develop action plans to protect reefs from mass bleaching. “Unusually high seawater temperatures are the most direct indicator of bleaching risk and can be monitored using 'HotSpot' images produced from satellite data…” (Marshall, 21) Other factors including weather patterns, air temperature and tidal currents should be closely monitored.

You may ask, why should I care about coral reefs anyway? Well besides the pure fact of the natural beauty of healthy coral, coral is an important part of our ocean systems. Not only do coral reefs provide a community to other living organisms but they provide a protective barrier to the coastline, contribute billions of dollars to tourism, and allow recreational and commercial fishing opportunities. Mass bleaching affects the socioeconomic status of local communities because of reduced numbers of tourists, depleted fishing resources, etc.

“The effects of mass bleaching events extend beyond their impacts on coral reef organisms. Coastal communities throughout the world's tropical regions depend on coral reefs for a range of ecosystem goods and services, including fishing, tourism, shoreline protection and recreation. Deterioration in the quality of coral reefs due to disturbances, such as coral bleaching, reduces the reef's ability to provide these commodities and opportunities, resulting in social and economic impacts.” (Marshall, 44)

Therefore not only is the epidemic of coral bleaching just affecting the ocean floor, but it is affecting people, families, and businesses throughout the world also. Many of the factors causing bleaching are inflicted by humans, or have a direct correlation to the actions of humans, therefore, we need to inform ourselves and support those trying to reverse the destruction.

There are some actions being taken by researchers and government entities to slow or correct the progression of this problem. “Researchers are part of what has become known as the ‘Shade Project’, which involves gazebo-sized shades being placed above corals during the summer months…The idea is to reduce the stress from the light just enough so that the reef doesn't change due to the effect of low light, but enough so that more corals survive the warmer periods. Laboratory results have shown that reducing light during thermal stress reduces the amount of damage done.” (University of Queensland) Another way to combat the stress on corals is coral transplantation, where parts of the coral are removed and transplanted to another area to start growing anew, but this is only used as a last resort.

There are things you can do to help. Firstly, get involved. Search the web, join a reef protection organization, ask questions, and get informed. Secondly, recycle. Recycling is an excellent way to save energy, cutting down on carbon emissions that cause global warming, and helps reduce pollution that can affect our oceans. Thirdly, conserve water. “The less water you use, the less runoff and waste water that eventually finds its way back into our oceans.” (Heijbroek)

Think back to the sandy white beach at the beginning of this essay. Walk to the edge of that clear blue water, what do you see? If we don’t take action to reduce the damaging effects of coral bleaching and save our oceans precious coral reefs, the spectacular coral formations in a rainbow of colors won’t be there to marvel at.


Works Cited

Buchheim, Jason. Coral Reef Bleaching. 1998. .. http://www.marinebiology.org/coralbleaching.htm.

Epatko, Larisa. Scientists Work to Pinpoint Threats, Repair Reefs. Dec. 2004. . http://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/coralreefs/threatsnremedies.html.

Heijbroek, Clark. Coral Bleaching: 25 Ways to Prevent Coral Bleaching. 2008. . http://www.blue-oceans.com/scuba/coral_bleaching/25ways.html.

Marshall, Paul., and Heidi Schuttenberg. A Reef Manager's Guide to Coral Bleaching. 2006. . http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/s1119.htm.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. CORALS ARE “IN HOT WATER”: HOW NOAA SATELLITES ARE HELPING. 31 July 2006. . http://www.magazine.noaa.gov/stories/mag206.htm.

University Of Queensland, .. "Researchers Working to Prevent a Coral Bleaching Catastrophe." Space & Earth Science (2006): .